Category Festivals and Events

A nighttime image of the synchronous fireflies in the Smoky Mountains

Come and Experience The Smoky Mountain Fireflies

Posted May 8, 2024 by Gina Metcalf

Synchronous Fireflies: An Overview Every year, a natural light show unlike any other illuminates the Great Smoky Mountains. Here, the fireflies aren’t your average backyard blinking beetles; they are a unique species that’s attracted visitors to the Smokies for years. Why are these creatures so special? These magical bugs synchronize their flashing light patterns, creating […]

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family overlooking the mountains

July 4 Midnight Parade

Posted June 30, 2021 by Gina Metcalf

After a year where our outdoor plans saw a pause that lasted longer than what we would have preferred, 2021 comes with the chance to make plans, enjoy the outdoors and discover new places. Make sure to create fun memories and enjoy yourself with your loved ones. Every year, on July 4th, we have the […]

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Gatlinburg Farmers Market

Posted May 27, 2021 by Gina Metcalf

The year 2020 stopped us from seeing the true beauty and colors of nature as we usually would every summer, but this 2021 we have changed for the better. We can rediscover gems that were probably hidden right under our noses. Summer 2021 is upon us, displaying its warm weather and beautiful colors, and there […]

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burgers

GatlinBURGER Week

Posted September 11, 2020 by April Sadowski

After a full day of outdoor activities at Rafting in the Smokies, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The good news is Gatlinburg is home to some of the best restaurants in Tennessee. During mid-September, the spotlight will be on the iconic American food staple: the hamburger. Sixteen Gatlinburg restaurants will be participating in […]

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Ogle's Broom Shop

Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community

Posted May 26, 2020 by April Sadowski

Gatlinburg has the privilege of being home to the largest organization of independent artists in the United States. This concentration of artisans and craftsmen is appropriately named the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Located just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg off of Highway 321N, the eight-mile loop is home to over 100 different purveyors […]

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Great Smoky Mountain Food Truck Festival

Posted March 10, 2020 by Tim Upton

Get ready for the Great Smoky Mountain Food Truck Festival, taking place Friday, March 27th and Saturday, March 28th, 2020. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort will be hosting this two-day event that will feature around 40 different food trucks. This mouth-watering festival is family-friendly and open to all ages. There are VIP tickets for the Friday […]

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Ponies in the Smokies

Posted February 20, 2020 by Tim Upton

Spring is just around the corner and with that brings the start of the car show season.  Kicking things off in style is the Ponies in the Smokies Car Show, scheduled for March 25-28, 2020. This is not your typical car show, rather it’s a four-day affair full of excitement for everyone from the die-hard […]

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Oktoberfest

Two Fall Festivals in the Smokies You Can’t Miss

Posted October 23, 2019 by Tim Upton

Ober Gatlinburg’s OktOBERfest Fall is a magical time in the Smoky Mountains as nature ushers in the change of weather with some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. This transition goes hand in hand with the kick-off of some of our favorite festivals of the year. If you are looking to get outdoors and create […]

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Fourth of July Sparkler

Patriotic Activities in the Smokies

Posted June 13, 2019 by April Sadowski

Whether you’re planning a trip down for Independence Day or looking for a way to get into the American spirit, the Smokies are filled with plenty of activities that are patriotic. The land itself is a beautiful “mountain majesty.” We’ve collected a list of both events and attractions that you can save for when you […]

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Festivals and Events near Rafting in the Smokies

Posted September 27, 2017 by April Sadowski

It’s getting close to fall festival time! Rafting in the Smokies is starting to wind down for the season, but festivals and fall events are winding up. We’ve highlighted some that are in the Smoky Mountain and surrounding areas that should be on your radar. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (October 5–22, 2017) Dubbed one of the […]

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Choose an Adventure

Rafting in the Smokies - Upper Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting Trip

Raft


Pigeon River Whitewater Rafting & Scenic Family Float

Whitewater Family Float
High Elements Ropes Challenge Course at Rafting in the Smokies

Rope


High Elements Ropes Challenge Course

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Header - Zipline Canopy Tour

Zip


Zipline Canopy Tour

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Rock Climbing Wall at Rafting in the Smokies

Rock


Rock Climbing Wall

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Picnic and Pavilion

Picnic


Pavilion

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Family Adventure Island at Rafting in the Smokies

Island


Family Adventure Island

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